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Farewell to the cost of living adjustment – Social Security announces another new change

Citizens must say goodbye to COLA as the upcoming changes could affect their monthly benefits, which are paid out to cover their expenses. After several months of waiting, the SSA has finally confirmed the COLA for the coming year 2025.

The amount of benefit granted will be increased at a rate of 2.5%, and this may not be sufficient with rising inflation rates. People have to work or find another source of finance to better control their expenses. Citizens should be aware of the updates and information released by authorities regarding COLA adjustments.

Farewell to COLA

Many people are completely dependent on the US government program for their livelihood because they are unable to manage their living standards in the country. But there are several situations coming up that could lead people to say goodbye to COLA.

The reason is that the increase in the year 2025 is the lowest since 2021, which shows that the impact of inflation has reduced and people may not be getting enough money from the authorities. Retirees, especially young people about to retire, may see this situation as a challenge to meet their basic needs after retirement.

Social Security COLA overview

Name of the department SSA
Program name Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
Country USA
Increase the rate 2.5%
Method of payment Direct deposit or checks by mail (through Social Security)
Category Government support
Official website https://www.ssa.gov/

Purpose and impact of COLA increase

In general, the primary purpose of Social Security cost-of-living adjustments is to adjust so that recipients’ purchasing power does not decline over time.

  • One dollar today won’t be the same in twenty or thirty years. Therefore, social security benefits must increase from time to time.
  • Lawmakers’ concerns about inflation costs will erode purchasing power, making Social Security benefits subject to automatic COLAs.
  • The Social Security Administration released data showing that benefits will increase by 2.5% through 2025.
  • Although the COLA for 2025 is small, declining inflation is positive news for the economy.
  • The reason why the increase is smaller is low inflation; this shows that living prices are becoming stable.
  • Although it is a smaller increase, seniors may still do better due to overall declining inflation.

Impact on beneficiaries’ social security benefits

  • However, people on social security will do well financially if the recession continues well into 2025.
  • Any COLA above 4 percent is likely caused by high inflation. A smaller COLA would indicate a more gradual increase in the cost of living.
  • Even if benefits increase by just 2.5 percent in 2025, older Americans could at least see cheaper groceries and gas if inflation slows.
  • Overall, social security users could even come out ahead in terms of spending in 2025, even if their benefits only increase by 2.5 percent.
  • It is very important to be optimistic and consider that the possibilities of a stabilized or reduced cost of living may arise before considering that worse could happen.

Frequently asked questions

What is the upcoming increase in COLA for the year 2025?

For next year, the COLA increase will be 2.5%.

What will be the reason that people say goodbye to COLA?

Inflation rates are decreasing, which may prevent the COLA from increasing.

Who will be most affected by the new changes to the COLA adjustments?

People, especially seniors and retirees with low incomes.

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